Might friends have satisfied the law, Then Georgie would find many: Yet bravely did he plead for life, If mercy might be any. Heigh-ho, &c.
But when this doughty carle was cast, He was full sad and sorry: Yet boldly did he take his death, So patiently dyde Georgie. Heigh-ho, &c.
As Georgie went up to the gate, He tooke his leave of many: He tooke his leave of his laird’s wife, Whom he lov’d best of any. Heigh-ho, &c.
With thousand sighs and heavy looks, Away from thence he parted, Where he so often blithe had beene, Though now so heavy hearted. Heigh-ho, &c.
He writ a letter with his owne hand, He thought he writ it bravely: He sent it to New-castle towne, To his beloved lady. Heigh-ho, &c.
Wherein he did at large bewaile, The occasion of his folly: Bequeathing life unto the law, His soule to heaven holy. Heigh-ho, &c.
Why, lady, leave to weepe for me, Let not my ending grieve ye: Prove constant to the man you love, For I cannot relieve yee. Heigh-ho, &c.
Out upon thee, Withrington, And fie upon thee, Phoenix: Thou hast put downe the doughty one, That stole the sheepe from Anix. Heigh-ho, &c.
And fie on all such cruell carles, Whose crueltie’s so fickle, To cast away a gentleman In hatred for so little. Heigh-ho, &c.
I would I were on yonder hill, Where I have beene full merry: My sword and buckeler by my side To fight till I be weary. Heigh-ho, &c.
They well should know that tooke me first, Though whoops be now forsaken: Had I but freedome, armes, and health, I’de dye ere I’de be taken. Heigh-ho, &c.
But law condemns me to my grave, They have me in their power; There’s none but Christ that can me save, At this my dying houre. Heigh-ho, &c.
He call’d his dearest love to him, When as his heart was sorry: And speaking thus with manly heart, Deare sweeting, pray for Georgie. Heigh-ho, &c.
He gave to her a piece of gold, And bade her give’t her bairns: And oft he kist her rosie lips, And laid him into her armes. Heigh-ho, &c.
And coming to the place of death, He never changed colour, The more he thought he would look pale, The more his veines were fuller. Heigh-ho, &c.
And with a cheereful countenance, (Being at that time entreated For to confesse his former life) These words he straight repeated. Heigh-ho, &c.